Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous As the days grow shorter and darker, and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like knowing there’s a warm, welcoming bed awaiting you at home to usher in a cozy night’s sleep, and long, languorous mornings when time allows. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Planned or not, that mess is smoothed out as the film proceeds, and Washington’s performance goes from languorous and dazed to razor-sharp and darkly humorous—reminiscent of the work he’s done for Lee in the past. David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • Summer was made for slow, languid days and stories that linger long after the final page.
    Michael Schaub, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • The pale pink, elegantly languid petals support innumerable color combinations in the garden while mimicking swishing skirts.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Midwest Living, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The latest instance was a listless 5-0 loss in the finale of a series against the Reds, who took two of three against them at Great American Ball Park, dropping their record to 16-25.
    Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 10 May 2026
  • Carrying the largest payroll in franchise history with World Series-or-bust expectations, the Phillies have played listless baseball for much of April, entering Tuesday with a 9-19 mark.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Because two years in, Kel’el Ware has been both a dynamic contributor and a lackadaisical bystander.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The Nuggets played lackadaisical 1-on-1 and pick-and-roll defense on the perimeter.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Satonica credited Burse with reviving Grady’s professional governance, noticing tired nurses and overwhelmed leaders.
    Laura Berrios, AJC.com, 7 May 2026
  • Gee, can't imagine why fans were tired of Mark Hamill towards the end!
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But Butcher spent much of season four confined to a hospital bed, and as the season neared its end, Urban wasn’t exhausted.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
  • Maxey has looked exhausted in the first two games of the series and scored just five points in the second half after scoring 19 in the game’s first 24 minutes.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Who among us doesn’t have a glitzy skirt that hangs limp in the back of the closet for most of the year?
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 11 May 2026
  • While fading blooms typically wilt or go limp, wilting of foliage or plant stems is a sign the plant is water stressed.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Tuesday evening’s event didn’t devolve into the chaos of a cacophonous debate last week but was far livelier than a relatively sleepy one last month.
    Ben Paviour May 6, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
  • The president endorsed their challengers and his allies spent millions of dollars in what are normally sleepy state legislative races.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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